UEFA have set precedent for FIFA to follow with Iran at 2026 World Cup amid conflict with hosts USA
UEFA may have already shown FIFA how to deal with international conflicts at football tournaments amid questions regarding Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States of America, FIFA is facing a major decision regarding the West Asian country's inclusion in the World Cup next year.
Despite American President Donald Trump claiming that a ceasefire had been agreed between Isreal and Iran, tensions between the two countries are at an all-time high, leading to the US getting involved by launching missiles at Iran this week.
This has led to increased questions being asked of FIFA over their plans on how to treat Iran while the country is involved in an ongoing conflict with the USA, who are a co-host of the upcoming World Cup.
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But UEFA may have already shown FIFA exactly how to deal with such a tense and controversial situation.
As it stands, there are no specific rules within FIFA's regulations that would prevent Iran, who qualified for their fourth consecutive world Cup in March, from playing their group matches in the USA.
This is despite the ongoing military action from Trump, who implemented a travel ban preventing all Iranian citizens from entering the country for the foreseeable future, with an exemption for players, staff and families involved in the 2026 World Cup.
However, if Iran were to be drawn into Group A, they could avoid playing in the US unless they were to reach the quarterfinals, with all of their other matches instead taking place in Mexico, who will co-host the competition with the US and Canada.
Given the fact that Iran are yet to reach World Cup knockout game, it seems unlikely that they would do so in 2026.
Back in 2022, UEFA showed that this kind of careful manoeuvring to ensure that all qualified teams can fairly compete despite conflicts off the pitch during their competition draws for the 2022/23 European competitions.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it was decided that during all competition draws, any competing clubs from Ukraine and Belarus would be kept apart to avoid any political tensions.
Therefore, FIFA may look to follow in UEFA's footsteps when they make the draw for the 2026 World Cup in December.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who appears to be close with President Trump, and the remainder of the FIFA Council.
Topics: FIFA, UEFA, Football, FIFA World Cup, US Sports
Ben McCrum